Election in Wales: Politicians forget we’re voters, says Gypsy woman

The mother-of-two said there were many barriers which her community faced, with many left feeling like “second-class citizens”.

“There’s only so long that you can stand up, you can ask and fight for things that you want,” she added.

Leeanne, who lives with her family on a site in south Pembrokeshire, said politicians did not visit sites while on the campaign trail.

“I think they forget that they are their constituents as well. I mean, historically, Gypsy and Traveller sites are out of the way and sort of push to the side.

“Unless you’ve lived within the community for a long, long time, you wouldn’t know that they’re there,” she said.

There are about 3,630 Gypsy and Irish Traveller people living in Wales, with the highest proportions in Cardiff and Pembrokeshire.

According to the latest census in 2021, 73% live in a house or flat and 27% live in a caravan or mobile home.

Political rhetoric and language was also creating barriers, according to Leeanne.

She has worked with officials to advocate for her community, and said too much jargon was used by political leaders and campaigners.

“I think they need to take into consideration how they’re speaking to the people, to the people that are going to be voting them into power, so that they know, and everything is explained properly,” she said.